Dr. Chris Elliott, a veterinarian specializing in equine medicine and rehabilitation, had big plans at the start of 2020. He was contracted to work in Japan for the organizing committee of the Olympic Games from May to September. And he was in the process of finalizing paperwork to move to the United States for a new job. COVID-19 thwarted those plans and brought him home to Australia, where he set up a new race track practice instead.
Knowing that an ultrasound system was essential for his practice, but unsure that he would be able to afford one, he was excited to learn about the Clarius HD handheld ultrasound machine at the Bain Fallon Equine Veterinary Association Conference in March 2020.
“It’s quite phenomenal that I was able to afford an ultrasound machine that gives me such really good quality images. Within just four weeks, I was able to set up my own practice in the middle of a global financial downturn and global pandemic,” says Dr. Elliott, who purchased the Clarius L7 Vet.
When we heard about Dr. Elliott’s enthusiasm for using Clarius in his new equine veterinary practice, we were eager to learn more. We recently reached him over Zoom at his current practice in Australia. Here’s what Dr. Elliott said about why he thinks the Clarius Handheld ultrasound system is ideal for equine ultrasound.
1. Clarius provides really clear images.
« Great image quality is at the top of my list of essential requirements for an ultrasound system. It’s important for accurate diagnoses. It’s also great to show clients what the issue is with their horse – they can see it clearly with the images I get using Clarius. »
T5 – Distance: 49.28mm / Area: 1.48cm2
T6 – Distance 12.87mm / Area: 12.54mm2
2. Clarius is so affordable, even for a new practice.
« If you’re starting out or want your own ultrasound system, Clarius is an absolute no-brainer. It should be the first piece of equipment you buy even when you’re watching your pennies. It is so affordable. The image quality is so good and it is easy to set up by yourself.
I was able to buy it during a financial downturn while setting up my new practice. Before discovering Clarius, I considered used options. I also tried a different handheld system that was given to a vet friend, but the image quality wasn’t great. »
3. Every veterinarian can have one in their car.
« Clarius is a great system for established practices that want to expand their range of ultrasound machines. You could buy four Clarius scanners for the price of one traditional machine and all of your veterinarians can have one with them at all times to provide better diagnostics and cut down on repeat visits. »
4. You get good quality images without clipping hair.
« I can get very good ultrasound images when using Clarius to scan competition horses without clipping their hair – this is a big deal! The last thing we want to do is highlight to the whole world that there’s an area of issue on the horse that you’re monitoring during the Olympics or the World Equestrian Games. »
5. Clarius ultrasound is better than traditional machines.
« I’ve used every type of ultrasound system – from the most old-school to the most up-to-date and I can tell you that the quality of images from the Clarius is phenomenal compared to most of them. And, the price is nothing in comparison to all of them.
It’s also easier to use Clarius and keep it clean. For example, using a touch screen for measurements is easier than a trackable, especially for new users. You just press the annotation button and physically trace it on the touchscreen. You have to be really conscientious to clear and maintain trackable properly. »
6. Billing for ultrasound helps pay for it quickly.
« By my calculations, it will take me about 30 scans to pay for the Clarius machine. It’s a fast payoff because there are no annual fees and it’s a fraction of the cost of a traditional ultrasound system. »
7. You don’t need an X-Ray machine.
Most veterinarians have an X-Ray machine but I don’t have one at the moment. Using ultrasound, I can diagnose everything because I can see what I need to see.
8. It fits in my pocket and I can take it anywhere.
« As a top-level equestrian veterinarian, I travel to many equestrian competitions with my clients, and I often fly to do pre-purchase exams. The fact that the ultrasound machine fits in my pocket means that I can take it with me wherever I go. It doesn’t take up any room in my travel bag. Although there are always ultrasound systems at the games and competitions, it’s better if you bring your own. »
9. Wireless ultrasound makes us faster and more efficient.
« Setting up Clarius is so easy. It turns on fast and there are no cables to unroll or plug in. Since it operates with a battery, we don’t have to go looking for power and worry about running cables around a horse. »
10. Having new technology helps build credibility.
« As a new veterinarian in an area specializing in equine orthopedics, it helps to show up with new technology that produces great images. Soft tissue injuries of horses are really common, so you’ve got to have an ultrasound machine. »
BONUS: Training new veterinarians with Clarius is advantageous.
« It would be great to give your new graduate a Clarius. They’ll get better at ultrasound faster by using it more. I can see the potential of using Clarius Live telemedicine to support young veterinarians when they’re on their own during a remote exam. Clients appreciate the option of a real-time second opinion. It’s also a good way to develop veterinarians who are new to ultrasound. »
Dr. Elliott has focused on equine medicine and rehabilitation for the past 12 years in Australia and the United Kingdom. He is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and works with the FEI – Fédération Équestre Internationale.
Dr. Elliott is currently using the Clarius L7 Vet in his equine orthopedic practice. What’s next for Dr. Elliott? He’s interested in using the Clarius C3 Vet for ultrasound-guided injections at his new practice in the USA, once the pandemic travel restrictions are eased.
You’re invited to attend Dr. Elliott’s live webinar this Sunday December 6th at 5PM Eastern. Contact us today or visit our veterinary specialty page for more information about using Clarius ultrasound at your veterinary practice.
